(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
After hearing good reviews about a new ramen restaurant outside of Kadena Air Base, I decided to give it a try.
Chuka Soba Tsuki no Akari is a sleek shop on Gate 2 Street that is popular and familiar to Kadena residents and employees.
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
On my visit shortly after 11 a.m., I stood under the shop’s curtain waiting behind a customer purchasing a food ticket from the machine. He seemed to be having a hard time deciding on what to order. His indecisiveness was frustrating, but when it was finally my turn, I had the same problem. Tsuki no Akari’s menu had many items to choose from a variety of ramen bowls like soy sauce, red hot and spicy and several chahan fried rice plates.
Everything was enticing, but I remembered a local TV show covering the restaurant and raving about the shop’s fried rice. My indecisiveness was short-lived, and I ordered the “Stamina Chahan” for 970 yen (approx.$7), which includes an “assari (light-flavored)” soup cooked with chicken, pork and bonito on the side.
Soon the generous meal arrived. Golden rice topped with a fried egg and a brown starchy sauce served in a perfect mound on a round plate was placed before me.
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
With one bite, its savory garlic but sweet taste hit the spot. Pieces of garlic and Chinese chives added a nice kick to the flavor and the texture.
I was so fascinated with the food that I forgot that I would need to stop by my office on Camp Foster later that day. Now I was worried about smelling like garlic for the rest of the day. At this point, I was in too deep and knew I’d have to get a face mask to shield my coworkers from the garlicky remnants of my delicious lunch.
I had no regrets. I devoured every bit and it was worth it!
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
After my visit, I learned that “Cheese Chahan,” a cheesy fried rice, is a popular menu item and another reason to make sure to have lunch here again.
I don’t guarantee you won’t be indecisive when it’s your time to order at Chuka Soba Tsuki no Akari. Like me, however, you’ll likely remedy that with plans to return for more.
Chuka Soba Tsuki no Akari
GPS Coordinates: N 26.336210, E 127.798224 (on Gate 2 street)
Hours: 11 a.m. – last order at 8:30 p.m. (or until food is sold out)
